An object holder with quick-release anchoring capability includes an object carrier having an object carrier base. A vacuum release actuator on the object carrier base is displaceable to separate from the object. An anchor member carried by vacuum release actuator includes outer and inner seal members and an interconnecting vent port. The outer and inner seal members are arranged to form substantially airtight seals with the reference surface and the object, respectively, that define controlled pressure zones. The vent port extends between the outer and inner controlled pressure zones. The inner seal member has a substantially non-folding configuration that prevents excessive seal elongation prior to separation from the object. During operation, the controlled pressure zones can be vented by manipulating the object carrier away from the reference surface to separate the object and the vacuum release actuator until the inner seal member breaks its substantially airtight seal with the object.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
2. The object holder of claim 1, wherein the inner seal member is substantially free of radially inwardly-extending sections when moving from the hub to a sealing surface that forms the substantially airtight seal associated with the inner seal member.
This invention relates to an object holder designed to securely retain an object while forming a substantially airtight seal. The holder includes a hub and an inner seal member that engages the object. The inner seal member is configured to transition from the hub to a sealing surface without any radially inwardly-extending sections, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted contact with the object. This design prevents gaps or disruptions in the seal, which could compromise airtight performance. The absence of inwardly-extending sections minimizes potential weak points where air leakage might occur, enhancing the reliability of the seal. The holder may be used in applications requiring precise object retention and environmental isolation, such as in laboratory equipment, medical devices, or industrial machinery. The inner seal member's structure ensures consistent sealing pressure across the contact area, reducing the risk of contamination or pressure loss. The overall design optimizes both mechanical stability and sealing efficiency, making it suitable for environments where maintaining an airtight environment is critical.
3. The object holder of claim 1, wherein the inner seal member extends substantially continuously radially outwardly from the hub to a sealing surface that forms the substantially airtight seal associated with the inner seal member.
This invention relates to an object holder designed to securely hold objects while maintaining an airtight seal. The problem addressed is the need for a reliable sealing mechanism in object holders that prevents air leakage while ensuring stable object retention. The object holder includes a hub and an inner seal member that extends radially outward from the hub to form a sealing surface. This sealing surface creates a substantially airtight seal, preventing air from passing through the interface between the object holder and the object being held. The inner seal member is designed to provide continuous sealing along its entire radial length, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and minimizing gaps that could compromise the seal. The hub serves as a central support structure, anchoring the inner seal member and facilitating precise alignment with the object. The combination of the hub and the radially extending inner seal member ensures both structural integrity and effective sealing, making the object holder suitable for applications requiring airtight retention of objects. The invention improves upon existing designs by providing a more robust and consistent sealing mechanism, reducing the risk of air leakage and enhancing overall performance.
4. The object holder of claim 3, wherein the inner seal member comprises at least one frustoconical wall section.
This invention relates to an object holder designed to securely hold objects, particularly in environments where contamination control or sealing is important, such as in laboratory or medical settings. The problem addressed is the need for an object holder that can maintain a secure grip on objects while also providing an effective seal to prevent contamination or leakage. The object holder includes a base structure and an inner seal member that engages with the object to be held. The inner seal member is designed to conform to the shape of the object, ensuring a tight and stable grip. A key feature of the inner seal member is the inclusion of at least one frustoconical wall section. This frustoconical shape allows for improved sealing and gripping performance by providing a tapered surface that can adjust to variations in object size or shape. The frustoconical wall section may be part of a larger sealing mechanism that includes additional features, such as flexible or resilient materials, to enhance the sealing effect. The object holder may also include an outer housing that supports the inner seal member and provides additional structural stability. The outer housing can be designed to interface with the inner seal member in a way that allows for easy installation or removal of the object while maintaining the seal. The overall design ensures that the object is held securely without damage while preventing contamination or leakage.
5. The object holder of claim 1, wherein the inner seal member comprises a cup-shaped peripheral portion.
This invention relates to an object holder designed to securely hold objects, particularly in environments where contamination or leakage is a concern, such as in laboratory or medical settings. The problem addressed is the need for a reliable sealing mechanism that prevents contamination while allowing easy access to the held object. The object holder includes a base structure that supports an inner seal member. The inner seal member is designed to create a sealed interface around the object being held, preventing external contaminants from entering or internal contents from leaking out. The inner seal member features a cup-shaped peripheral portion, which provides a flexible and conformable structure that can adapt to different object shapes and sizes. This cup-shaped design ensures a tight seal by conforming to the contours of the object, reducing gaps where contamination or leakage could occur. The peripheral portion may be made from an elastomeric material to enhance flexibility and sealing performance. The object holder may also include additional features, such as a locking mechanism to secure the object in place and an outer housing to provide structural support. The inner seal member may be removable or adjustable to accommodate different objects, ensuring versatility in use. The overall design aims to provide a secure, contamination-resistant holding solution for sensitive applications.
6. The object holder of claim 1, wherein the inner seal member comprises a single main section integrally formed at one end of the hub and emanating radially outwardly from the hub and axially away therefrom.
This invention relates to an object holder with an improved sealing mechanism, particularly for use in environments requiring secure containment of objects while allowing controlled access. The problem addressed is the need for a reliable seal that prevents unintended release of objects while permitting efficient loading and unloading. The object holder includes a hub and an inner seal member designed to enhance sealing performance. The inner seal member features a single main section that is integrally formed at one end of the hub, extending radially outward and axially away from it. This design ensures a continuous, uninterrupted sealing surface that minimizes gaps and reduces the risk of leakage or contamination. The integral formation of the seal member with the hub eliminates the need for separate components, improving structural integrity and simplifying manufacturing. The radial and axial extension of the seal member allows for effective engagement with mating surfaces, ensuring a tight fit and consistent sealing performance. This configuration is particularly useful in applications such as medical devices, laboratory equipment, or industrial tools where secure containment and controlled access are critical. The invention provides a robust, cost-effective solution for sealing mechanisms in object holders.
7. The object holder of claim 6, wherein the inner seal member's single main section extends continuously radially outwardly from the hub to an outer rim that forms the substantially airtight seal associated with the inner seal member.
This invention relates to an object holder with an improved sealing mechanism for securely holding objects, such as medical devices or laboratory equipment, while maintaining a substantially airtight environment. The problem addressed is the need for a reliable seal that prevents contamination or leakage while allowing easy attachment and detachment of objects. The object holder includes a hub for mounting the object and an inner seal member that forms a substantially airtight seal around the object. The inner seal member has a single main section that extends continuously from the hub outward to an outer rim, where the seal is formed. This continuous structure ensures a uniform and consistent seal without gaps or weak points. The design allows for precise alignment and secure retention of the object while minimizing the risk of air or fluid ingress. The outer rim of the inner seal member is specifically shaped to enhance sealing performance, ensuring compatibility with various object shapes and sizes. The invention improves upon existing object holders by providing a more robust and reliable sealing mechanism, particularly in applications where sterility or environmental control is critical.
8. The object holder of claim 7, wherein the inner seal member's single main section comprises a cup-shaped wall.
The invention relates to an object holder designed to securely hold objects, particularly in environments where contamination or leakage is a concern, such as in laboratory or medical settings. The problem addressed is the need for a reliable sealing mechanism that prevents contamination while allowing easy access to the held object. The object holder includes a base structure with an inner seal member that forms a barrier around the object. The inner seal member has a single main section with a cup-shaped wall, which provides a secure and leak-proof seal. The cup-shaped wall is designed to flexibly conform to the object's shape, ensuring a tight fit without damaging the object. This design allows the object to be inserted and removed easily while maintaining a sealed environment. The inner seal member may also include additional features, such as a flexible lip or a secondary sealing surface, to enhance the sealing performance. The base structure may further include alignment features to ensure proper positioning of the object within the holder. The overall design ensures that the object remains securely held while preventing contamination from entering or escaping the sealed area. This invention is particularly useful in applications where sterility or containment is critical, such as in medical device storage, laboratory sample handling, or hazardous material containment.
9. The object holder of claim 7, wherein the inner seal member's single main section comprises a frustoconical wall.
The invention relates to an object holder designed to securely hold objects, particularly in environments where contamination or leakage is a concern, such as in medical or laboratory settings. The problem addressed is the need for a reliable sealing mechanism that prevents contamination while allowing easy access to the held object. The object holder includes a base and a lid that can be opened and closed to secure the object. The lid is connected to the base via a hinge mechanism, allowing it to pivot between open and closed positions. The lid includes an inner seal member that ensures a tight seal when the lid is closed, preventing contaminants from entering or escaping. The inner seal member has a single main section with a frustoconical wall, which provides a secure and uniform sealing surface. The frustoconical shape helps distribute pressure evenly when the lid is closed, enhancing the seal's effectiveness. The object holder may also include additional features, such as a locking mechanism to keep the lid securely closed and a handle for easy manipulation. The design ensures that the object remains protected while allowing quick and easy access when needed.
10. The object holder of claim 7, wherein inner seal member's single main section comprises a wall whose thickness tapers from the hub to the outer rim.
The invention relates to an object holder designed to securely hold objects, particularly in environments where sealing is important, such as medical or laboratory settings. The problem addressed is ensuring a reliable seal between the object holder and the object it holds, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use. The object holder includes a hub for attachment to a support structure and an outer rim for engaging the object. A flexible inner seal member is positioned between the hub and the outer rim to create a tight seal. The inner seal member has a single main section with a wall whose thickness gradually decreases from the hub toward the outer rim. This tapered design enhances flexibility and sealing performance while preventing excessive deformation or stress concentration. The outer rim may include a gripping feature to improve engagement with the object, and the hub may have a locking mechanism for secure attachment to the support structure. The tapered wall of the inner seal member ensures consistent sealing pressure across the contact area, reducing the risk of leaks or contamination. The overall design balances rigidity for stability and flexibility for sealing, making it suitable for applications requiring precise object retention and environmental isolation.
11. The object holder of claim 1, wherein the outer seal member comprises a first section integrally formed at one end of the hub and emanating radially outwardly therefrom, the outer seal member further comprising a second section integrally formed on a periphery of the first section and emanating radially outwardly from the first section and axially away from the hub.
This invention relates to an object holder with an improved sealing mechanism for holding and sealing objects, such as medical devices or laboratory equipment, in a controlled environment. The problem addressed is preventing contamination or leakage when handling sensitive objects, particularly in sterile or cleanroom settings. The object holder includes a hub for securing the object and an outer seal member attached to the hub. The outer seal member has a first section that extends radially outward from one end of the hub, forming a base for the seal. A second section is integrally formed on the outer edge of the first section, extending further outward and bending axially away from the hub. This dual-section design enhances sealing performance by creating multiple barriers against contaminants while maintaining structural integrity. The first section provides a broad sealing surface, while the second section acts as an additional protective flap, ensuring a tighter seal when compressed or engaged with another component. The integral formation of both sections ensures durability and prevents gaps that could compromise sealing effectiveness. This design is particularly useful in applications requiring high reliability, such as medical device packaging or laboratory containment systems.
12. The object holder of claim 11, wherein the outer seal member's first and second sections collectively extend continuously radially outwardly from the hub to a rim on a periphery of the second section that forms the substantially airtight seal associated with the outer seal member.
This invention relates to an object holder designed to securely hold an object while maintaining a substantially airtight seal. The holder includes a hub for attachment to a support structure and an outer seal member that encircles the hub. The outer seal member has a first section and a second section, both of which extend continuously outward from the hub to a rim located on the periphery of the second section. This rim forms the airtight seal, ensuring that the object is held in place while preventing air leakage. The design allows for precise positioning and secure retention of the object, addressing challenges in maintaining both stability and airtight conditions in applications where environmental control is critical, such as in vacuum or cleanroom environments. The continuous radial extension of the seal sections ensures uniform pressure distribution, enhancing the reliability of the seal. The invention is particularly useful in industrial, medical, or laboratory settings where precise object handling and environmental isolation are required.
13. The object holder of claim 11, wherein the outer seal member's first section is disk-shaped and the second section is frustoconical.
The invention relates to an object holder designed to securely hold objects, particularly in environments where contamination or leakage is a concern, such as in laboratory or medical settings. The object holder includes a sealing mechanism to prevent contamination or leakage of fluids or gases. The sealing mechanism comprises an outer seal member with two distinct sections: a disk-shaped first section and a frustoconical second section. The disk-shaped section provides a flat, stable surface for sealing against a corresponding flat surface, while the frustoconical section allows for a tapered, self-aligning seal that can accommodate slight misalignments or variations in the object's shape. This dual-section design enhances sealing performance by combining the benefits of both flat and tapered seals, ensuring a reliable and leak-proof hold. The object holder may also include additional features such as a locking mechanism to further secure the object in place. The invention addresses the need for a secure and contamination-free object holder that can adapt to different object shapes and sizes while maintaining a tight seal.
14. The object holder of claim 11, wherein the outer seal member's first section and second section collectively form a cup-shaped configuration.
This invention relates to an object holder designed to securely hold objects, particularly in environments where contamination or leakage is a concern, such as in medical or laboratory settings. The object holder includes a base and an outer seal member that forms a protective barrier around the object. The outer seal member has a first section and a second section that together create a cup-shaped configuration. This design ensures that the object is fully enclosed, preventing contamination from external sources or leakage from the object itself. The cup-shaped configuration also provides structural stability, allowing the object holder to maintain its shape and seal integrity even when subjected to external forces or pressure changes. The object holder may be used to hold various objects, including medical devices, laboratory samples, or other sensitive items that require protection from environmental factors. The invention improves upon existing object holders by providing a more secure and reliable sealing mechanism, reducing the risk of contamination or damage to the held object.
15. The object holder of claim 11, wherein the outer seal member further includes a third section integrally formed on a periphery of the second section and emanating radially outwardly therefrom and axially toward the hub to a third section periphery that defines an outer edge of the outer seal member.
This invention relates to an object holder with an improved sealing mechanism for securing objects, particularly in applications requiring precise positioning and environmental isolation. The object holder includes a hub for mounting the object and an outer seal member that provides enhanced sealing performance. The outer seal member has a first section that engages the object, a second section that extends radially outward from the first section, and a third section that is integrally formed on the periphery of the second section. The third section extends radially outward and axially toward the hub, forming an outer edge that defines the boundary of the outer seal member. This design ensures a tight seal around the object, preventing contamination or leakage while maintaining structural integrity. The third section's outward and axial extension enhances sealing efficiency by increasing contact area and pressure distribution, particularly in dynamic or high-stress environments. The integral formation of the sections ensures uniformity and reliability, reducing assembly complexity and potential failure points. This configuration is suitable for applications in semiconductor manufacturing, optical systems, or other precision engineering fields where environmental control and object stability are critical.
16. The object holder of claim 1, wherein the outer seal member is larger than the inner seal member, such that the outer seal member develops greater suction force than the inner seal member, and so that the inner seal member separates from the object before the outer seal member separates from the reference surface.
This invention relates to an object holder designed to securely grip objects while allowing controlled detachment from a reference surface. The holder includes an outer seal member and an inner seal member, both configured to create suction force against the reference surface. The outer seal member is larger than the inner seal member, which causes it to generate a greater suction force. This design ensures that the inner seal member separates from the object before the outer seal member detaches from the reference surface, providing a controlled release mechanism. The holder may be used in applications where precise object handling is required, such as in manufacturing or laboratory settings, where maintaining stability during use but allowing easy removal when needed is critical. The differential suction forces between the inner and outer seals prevent unintended detachment while ensuring the object can be released smoothly when desired. The invention addresses the problem of balancing secure attachment with controlled detachment in suction-based holding systems.
17. The object holder of claim 1, wherein the outer seal member is larger than the inner seal member to an extent that the outer controlled pressure zone has an surface area of not less than five times a surface area of the inner controlled pressure zone, such that the outer seal member develops not less than twenty-five times more suction force than the inner seal member, and so that the inner seal member separates from the object before the outer seal member separates from the reference surface.
This invention relates to an object holder designed to securely hold an object on a reference surface using differential suction pressure. The holder includes an outer seal member and an inner seal member, each forming a controlled pressure zone. The outer seal member is significantly larger than the inner seal member, creating an outer controlled pressure zone with a surface area at least five times larger than the inner controlled pressure zone. This size difference ensures the outer seal member generates at least twenty-five times more suction force than the inner seal member. During operation, the inner seal member separates from the object before the outer seal member detaches from the reference surface, allowing controlled release of the object while maintaining stability. The design prevents unintended detachment and ensures precise handling of objects, particularly in applications requiring high suction force and controlled release, such as automated manufacturing or laboratory settings. The differential suction force distribution enhances grip reliability and minimizes the risk of accidental object displacement.
18. The object holder of claim 1, wherein the object carrier comprises a smartphone case and the object is a smartphone or other handheld electronic device.
This invention relates to an object holder designed to securely hold and position a smartphone or other handheld electronic device. The holder is integrated into a smartphone case, providing a stable platform for the device while allowing easy attachment and detachment. The object carrier within the holder is specifically adapted to accommodate the dimensions and shape of a smartphone or similar handheld electronic device, ensuring a snug fit and preventing accidental dislodgment. The holder may include additional features such as adjustable clamps, locking mechanisms, or alignment guides to further enhance stability and usability. The design allows the smartphone to be securely held in various orientations, such as portrait or landscape, depending on the user's needs. The holder may also include mounting interfaces for attaching to external surfaces, such as car dashboards, desks, or tripods, enabling versatile positioning for different applications. The invention addresses the need for a reliable and adaptable holder that maintains the smartphone's accessibility while providing secure positioning in various environments.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
April 9, 2021
December 6, 2022
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.